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Summary

This cross-disciplinary reader encourages critical thinking and academic writing by presenting students with a variety of perspectives on current issues from across the curriculum. Contemporary issues engage the student, while the thematically grouped readings provide rich material for both in-class discussion and writing topics.

Table of Contents

Preface

xvii

PART ONE Writing Critically and Conducting Research

1

(198)

Chapter 1 Reading Critically

Reading Critically in Preparation for Writing Critically

3

(4)

Organizing and Developing Ideas

7

(4)

Illustration: Reading Critically

11

(1)

What's in a Name? More than You Think

Joe Saltzman

11

(19)

Criticizes U.S. television news for using slanted terms in reporting U.S. wars on foreign soil.

Discussion of "What's in a Name? More than You Think"

14

(2)

Rhetorical Analysis of Visuals

16

(5)

Rhetorical Analysis of Websites

21

(5)

Chapter 2 Writing a Summary

26

(10)

Writing a Summary

26

(4)

Illustration: Making Marginal Notes and Summarizing

30

(1)

Enter Right, Exit Left

Joshua Foer

30

(4)

Explains the effects of 9/11 and the Iraq war on the political views of today's generation of college graduates.

Illustration: Summary

33

(1)

Stern Belongs on the Radio Just as Much as Rush

Roger Ebert

34

(9)

Argues that Howard Stern's right to be on the radio is as valid as Rush Limbaugh's.

Chapter 3 Writing a Critique

36

(18)

The Connection between Reading Critically and Writing a Critique

36

(1)

Writing a Critique

36

(7)

The Hollow Curriculum

Robert N. Sollod

43

(8)

Argues that omitting courses on religion and spirituality in higher education weakens the curriculum and leaves students ill prepared for their professions.

Illustration: Critique

46

(5)

Who Needs College?

Linda Lee

51

(28)

Questions the value of a college education and asks if it is appropriate for everyone.

Chapter 4 Writing an Argument

54

(38)

Narrowing Your Focus and Discovering Your Position

54

(4)

Structuring an Argument

58

(1)

Strategies for Arguing Effectively

59

(8)

Sample Student Papers

67

(11)

Illustration: Opposing Arguments

78

(1)

Grade Inflation: It's Time to Face the Facts

Harvey C. Mansfield

79

(3)

Argues that grade inflation is widespread and explains its negative effects.

The Dangerous Myth of Grade Inflation

Alfie Kohn

82

(121)

Counters arguments of those who charge that teachers give unrealistically high grades for mediocre performances.